As people age, it’s common to experience various joint problems. Joints are musculoskeletal structures connecting two or more bones for a sizeable range of movements. Although the exact number may vary from one person to another, the average human body has about 360 joints.
Problems in the joint may be tolerable at first, but the longer you ignore them, the higher the chances of complications. If you are experiencing joint pain or are suspicious of any problem, consult the aid of joint specialists immediately.
Let’s talk about 3 common joint problems you should watch out for and where you can find the best joint specialist in Lutherville, MD.
Arthritis
Arthritis happens when one or more of your joints become tender and inflamed. In some cases, they can lose their alignment and shape, especially if they are in weight-bearing areas of the body.
There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The former happens when joint cartilage is damaged, causing friction between two bones. The latter is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints.
Symptoms
Symptoms of arthritis often depend on what type it is. However, the most common ones should be:
- Pain and swelling
- Tenderness and redness
- Stiffness
- Difficulty performing a wide range of movements
- Grinding sensations
- Easy fatigue
If you experience more than one of the above symptoms, it is best to consult a joint specialist, who will guide you in finding out what arthritis type you might have and what remedies you can take.
Treatment
Joint specialists typically diagnose arthritis through imaging tests. Once confirmed, the following action would be to create a treatment plan. These typically focus on relieving symptoms and enhancing the affected joint’s function.
Per the advice of joint specialists, treatment for arthritis may be in the form of the following:
- Medication – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Therapy – exercises to enhance flexibility and strengthen joint muscles
- Surgery – a more aggressive step for joint realignment or replacement
Bursitis
A small sac of fluid called the bursa cushions the bones and tissues near your joints. When this becomes irritated or inflamed, it causes severe pain, and this condition is called bursitis.
Bursitis is a joint problem that typically affects adults, especially after age 40. It results from too much pressure and overuse.
Symptoms
Bursitis has a high risk of leading to an infection, so make sure to be wary of the symptoms once you feel them. Common symptoms of this condition may include:
- Achiness and stiffness
- Extreme pain when moving or when pressed
- Difficulty performing a wide range of motion
- Redness and inflammation
- Concentrated warmth on one joint area
- Chilling and fever, especially when already infected
Treatment
Usually, you can treat bursitis at home with simple rest along with:
- Elevation of the affected area
- Applying heat and ice
- Using a splint or a brace
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief medicine
Are you suddenly experiencing sharp pain accompanied by bruising in a specific area? Joint specialists can recommend more elaborate treatment options. You may have to:
- Receive prescription for antibiotics
- Undergo physical or occupational therapy
- Go through surgery if other treatments fail
Fractures And Injuries
Joint fractures and injuries are typical and can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender. They can result from other conditions causing the joints to break down. But often, they are caused by significant trauma, such as a severe fall or collision.
Specifically, joints can be fractured when the bone breaks inside or in the surrounding area. That leads to the damage of tissues and cartilage.
Symptoms
Fractures and injuries are straight forward when they happen, so often, you need not spot the symptoms before you seek medical attention.
Nevertheless, a person suffering from this condition may experience the following:
- Debilitating pain
- Swelling or inflammation
- Tenderness and bruising
- Unusual bump or deformed structure
- Difficulty moving
Treatment
When a fracture results from sudden major trauma or accident, immediately perform first aid while waiting for expert medical assistance. Specifically, you must:
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding if there is any
- Immobilize the injured area to avoid worsening
- Apply ice if there is pain and swelling
- Monitor the patient’s response if they are in shock
Once there is confirmation that there is no organ damage, joint specialists can help the patient create a treatment plan. They may prescribe pain medication, physical therapy, and even surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
Joint Specialists in Lutherville, MD
Do you need care and treatment for common joint problems?Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder has the best joint specialists in Maryland who would love to serve you. They are board-certified and have years of experience performing simple to complex treatments for different musculoskeletal conditions.
To know more, call us today at (410) 296-6232 or request an appointment online. We also have other offices in Bel Air, Clarksville, Westminster, Baltimore, Eldersburg, and Pasadena. We look forward to helping you heal and live a more carefree life than ever!
